Helen's Homemade Shepherd's Pie

Ingredients

• 500g Lean Beef Mince
• 1 White Onion, diced
• 1 Red Onion, diced
• 1 Carrot, washed and diced
• 1/2 Large Portobello Mushroom, diced
• Worcestershire Sauce, a few dashes
• 1 Tablespoon Ketchup or Tomato Puree
• A few drops of Tabasco Sauce
• 2 Beef Stock Cubes dissolved in 1 pint of hot water
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• Mashed Potatoes for topping (Check out our rustic mashed potato recipe)

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

1. Sauté the Onions: Heat a little sunflower oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the diced white and red onions and cook until they become transparent, about 8 minutes. Set aside.
2. Cook the Beef Mince: In the same pan, fry the beef mince in batches to ensure it browns evenly. Once all the mince is cooked, transfer it to a shallow saucepan.

Step 2: Combining Ingredients

1. Add Vegetables and Sauces: To the saucepan with the beef mince, add the diced mushrooms, carrots, and the cooked onions. Pour in the dissolved beef stock cubes along with the juices from the frying pan.
2. Season and Simmer: Add Worcestershire sauce, ketchup or tomato puree, Tabasco sauce, salt, and pepper. Cover and let it simmer for about 45 minutes.

Step 3: Thickening the Mixture

1. Check Consistency: After 45 minutes, check the mixture. If it has cooked through, remove it from the heat.
2. Thicken with Cornflour: Mix a little cornflour with water and add it to the mixture to achieve a thick sauce consistency.

Step 4: Assembling the Pie

1. Marinate Overnight: Pour the mixture into an ovenproof dish and ideally leave it overnight to marinate. This step enhances the flavors.
2. Add Mashed Potatoes: Once the mixture is cool, spread the mashed potatoes on top. Use a fork to create swirly patterns on the surface, which will help the top become crispy during baking.

Step 5: Baking

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F).
2. Bake the Pie: Place the dish in the oven and bake for at least 45 minutes. Ensure the pie is piping hot before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Best Served With: Crusty farmhouse bread in chunks and cool drinks.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Shepherd's Pie Origins: The term "shepherd's pie" first appeared in the late 19th century and was initially used interchangeably with "cottage pie," which dates back to 1791. The distinction between the two terms based on the type of meat used (lamb for shepherd's pie and beef for cottage pie) became more common in the 20th century (source).
• Popularity: According to a 2020 survey, shepherd's pie ranks among the top 10 favorite comfort foods in the UK, with 68% of respondents listing it as a go-to dish during colder months (source).
• Nutritional Value: A typical serving of shepherd's pie provides around 400-500 calories, making it a hearty meal option. It also offers a good balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats, essential for a well-rounded diet (source).

Conclusion

Helen's homemade shepherd's pie is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its rich flavors and satisfying textures, it's no wonder this classic recipe remains a favorite. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Enjoy your meal with some crusty bread and a refreshing drink, and savor the taste of this timeless comfort food.